Twist and Lock Cap for Vacuum Container

ABSTRACT

A vacuum container and pump system including a vacuum container including: a rounded rectangular or square base with an opening at the top to receive foodstuffs and adapted with an edge; an optional cover comprising at least two locking latches adapted to couple to said edge, said optional cover to close the opening of the vacuum container, said cover comprising: a circular vacuum tubular opening forming a cylindrical hole through said cover, and a cross-shaped notch on the inner cross-section of the tube, through which at least a portion of a plug may be received and disposed when evacuating air from the container. A vacuum bag comprising: a bag having an opening; a plurality of resealable fasteners; a hole for evacuating air with a pump from the bag; a cap for covering said hole; and a removable clip for easing closure of said plurality of fasteners that is adapted to be used with a plurality of the bags. In one embodiment, a twist and lock cap may be included to prevent loss of vacuum of the container from the plug, when the cap has been twisted in a locked position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.14/384,686, filed on Sep. 12, 2014, and now U.S. Pat. No. ______, whichis a national stage filing of PCT International Patent Application No.PCT/US2013/030607, filed Mar. 12, 2013 and a continuation-in-part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 13/551,607, filed Jul. 17, 2012, which is aNon-Provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/609,453, filed on Mar. 12, 2012. The content of all of theabove-referenced applications is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present invention relates to vacuum packaging, and in particular tovacuum packaging for foodstuffs.

Related Art

Vacuum packing or vacuum packaging is a method of packaging that removesair from the package prior to sealing. Vacuum packing can involve bothrigid and flexible types of packaging. The intent is usually to removeoxygen from the container to extend the shelf life of foods and, withflexible package forms, to reduce the volume of the contents andpackage.

Vacuum packing reduces atmospheric oxygen, limiting the growth ofaerobic bacteria or fungi, and preventing the evaporation of volatilecomponents. Vacuum packing is also commonly used to store of dry foodsover a long period of time, foods such as cereals, nuts, cured meats,cheese, smoked fish, coffee, and potato chips (crisps). On a more shortterm basis, vacuum packing can also be used to store fresh foods, suchas vegetables, meats, and liquids, because vacuum packaging inhibitsbacterial growth.

Vacuum packing greatly reduces the bulk of non-food items. For example,clothing and bedding can be stored in bags evacuated with a domesticvacuum cleaner or a dedicated vacuum sealer. This technique is sometimesused to compact household waste, for example where a charge is made foreach full bag collected.

Vacuum packaging products may include plastic bags, canisters, bottles,or mason jars available for home use.

Vacuum packaging delicate food items can be done by using an inert gas,such as nitrogen. This helps prevent crushing fragile items and delicatefoods such as potato chips. Alternatively, vacuum packaging may involveevacuating air from a container by use of a pump.

Conventional vacuum packaging containers have several shortcomings. Itwould be desirable to provide an improved vacuum packaging container andpump system that overcomes shortcomings of conventional vacuumpackaging.

SUMMARY

Further features and/or advantages of, as well as the structure and/oroperation of, various exemplary embodiments, are described in detailbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In an exemplary embodiment, an improved vacuum pump and vacuum containerkit are provided.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a manual pump may include a holeto allow the pump to operate more effectively than absent the hole.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a vacuum orifice or openingto a vacuum container may be circular shaped with a cross cut out of thecircular opening to allow a vacuum stopper to close the opening whilealso allowing for ease of release of the vacuum.

A vacuum container and pump system including a vacuum containerincluding: a rounded rectangular or square base with an opening at thetop to receive foodstuffs and adapted with an edge; an optional covercomprising at least two locking latches adapted to couple to said edge,said optional cover to close the opening of the vacuum container, saidcover comprising: a circular vacuum tubular opening forming acylindrical hole through said cover, and a cross-shaped notch on theinner cross-section of the tube, through which at least a portion of aplug may be received and disposed when evacuating air from thecontainer.

A vacuum bag comprising: a bag having an opening; a plurality ofresealable fasteners; a hole for evacuating air with a pump from thebag; a cap for covering said hole; and a removable clip for easingclosure of said plurality of fasteners that is adapted to be used with aplurality of said bags.

A vacuum container according to one exemplary embodiment may furtherinclude a twist and lock cap adapted to releasably lock or unlock asilicone plug on the lid of the container, so as to disallow, or allowair to vacuate or evacuate from the container.

In one exemplary embodiment, the vacuum container may further includewherein the twist and lock cap may include at least one opening throughwhich air may move when in an unlocked position, and when the siliconeplug is permitted to release the vacuum.

In one exemplary embodiment, the vacuum container may further includewherein the silicone plug is permitted to release the vacuum when abutton portion is depressed through an opening in the cap, when the capis in an unlocked position.

In one exemplary embodiment, the vacuum container may include a twistand lock cap, which may include at least one external handle orprotrusion for grasping the cap when twisting to lock or unlock.

In one exemplary embodiment, the vacuum container may include where thecap may include an inner protrusion for coupling with a portion of thecover of the container to lock the cap in place when twisted in a lockedposition.

In one exemplary embodiment, the vacuum container may include where theinner protrusion(s) may couple with a helical screw shaped protrusion,thread, or other locking mechanism or portion, of the container cover tolock the cap and the plug in place, when the cap is placed in a lockedposition. The exemplary embodiment avoids accidental release of vacuumfrom inadvertent hitting of the silicone plug, allows maintaining vacuumfor an extended period of time, greater than conventional plug onlysolutions, and avoids losing the plug when washing a container, as theplug is coupled to the lid and will not wash down a drain when coupledto the lid.

In one exemplary embodiment, the vacuum container may further include atwist and lock cap adapted to at least one of: releasably lock or unlocka silicone plug on the lid of the container, so as to disallow, or allowair to vacuate or evacuate from the container; or couple the siliconeplug to the container lid to avoid loss of the silicone plug.

In one exemplary embodiment, the vacuum container may include the twistand lock cap which may include at least one of: at least one openingthrough which air may move when in an unlocked position, and when thesilicone plug is permitted to release the vacuum; wherein the twist andlock cap may include at least one external handle or protrusion forgrasping the cap when twisting to lock or unlock; or wherein the cap mayinclude an inner protrusion for coupling with a portion of the cover ofthe container to lock the cap in place when twisted in a lockedposition.

In one exemplary embodiment, the vacuum container may include where thesilicone plug is permitted to release the vacuum when a button portionis depressed through an opening in the cap, when the cap is in anunlocked position.

In one exemplary embodiment, the vacuum container may include where thecap may include the inner protrusion, and wherein the inner protrusionmay couple with a helical screw shaped protrusion on the container coverto lock the cap and the plug in place, when the cap is placed in alocked position.

In one exemplary embodiment, the vacuum container may further include afoodstuff receiving and spinning basket, received within the rectangularcontainer, and a removable container cover may include a mechanismadapted to spin the foodstuff receiving and spinning basket.

In one exemplary embodiment, the vacuum container may further include afoodstuff chopping or cutting cover adapted to cut or chop foodstuffinto the vacuum container.

In one exemplary embodiment, the vacuum container may further includebeing adapted for stacking a plurality of the vacuum containers atop oneanother.

According to another exemplary embodiment, an improved pump may include,e.g., but not limited to, rechargeable batteries, a switch for differentpower settings, higher suction levels and additional motors, accordingto exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and/or advantages of the invention willbe apparent from the following, more particular description of exemplaryembodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicateidentical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. Apreferred and various other exemplary embodiments are discussed below inthe detailed description of the following drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum containeraccording to an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary containerillustrated having an exemplary lid with exemplary four latches adaptedto be coupled to an outer edge of a base, an exemplary annular dial withday indicator adapted to be usable to track age of container contents, aclear transparent plastic bottom which may be adapted for stacking, andthe exemplary lid as illustrated includes an exemplary teal coloredpartially convex rounded lid with circular vacuum interface, vacuumindicator, and vacuum release, with exemplary annular concave slot forreceiving an exemplary convex annular protrusion from the bottom ofanother such container for stacking, as described further with referenceto FIG. 19L below, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary rounded rectangular vacuumcontainer similar to that shown in FIG. 1, of shallower depth, accordingto an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum containerhaving only exemplary 2 latches, and including a t-shaped divider,according to an exemplary embodiment, which in various exemplaryembodiments may be either removable or permanent, and the container maybe adapted to be stacked compatibly with the containers of FIGS. 1 and2, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19L) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 6A depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19L) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4Aabove, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above andFIG. 5A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 6B depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above andFIG. 6A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 7A depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8A depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 9A depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 7B depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7Aabove, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8B depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above andFIG. 8A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 9B depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above andFIG. 9A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 3 above,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 3 above,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 12A depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 3 above,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 12B depicts an exemplary bottom view of an exemplary base as may beused in an exemplary rectangular container as shown in the above FIGS.1-12, and may include exemplary one or more exemplary feet, an exemplaryand optional circular concave indentation to accommodate receiving theexemplary circular rounded cover of another container for stacking, andan exemplary annular inner protrusion that may be adapted in be placedinto the vacuum interface annular cavity of an exemplary lid of anothervacuum container adapted for stacking, and sufficiently deep to allowstacking even when a pair of respective container are in an evacuatedstate causing the respective outer surfaces to collapse slightly fromthe vacuum pressure, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary isometric view of an exemplary siliconeexemplary vacuum plug as may be used to maintain, and/or release avacuum from an exemplary container;

FIGS. 14A and 14B depict an exemplary embodiments of the exemplaryundersides of the exemplary vacuum interface and exemplary vacuumindicator, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the inner annular vacuuminterface including a t-shaped notch through which an exemplary siliconevacuum plug may be inserted, and the notches may be adapted to enableevacuation of air from the container;

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary vacuum container system including anexemplary vacuum container, an exemplary manual vacuum pump, and/or anexemplary electric vacuum pump, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an electric vacuum pump,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17B illustrates an exemplary bottom isometric view of an exemplaryelectric vacuum pump, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17C illustrates another exemplary bottom view of another exemplaryelectric vacuum pump, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17D depicts an exemplary embodiment of a top view of an exemplaryelectric pump including exemplary buttons and cavities for receivingexemplary batteries, and an exemplary battery cavity cover, according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17E depicts an exemplary alternating current (AC) adapter as may becoupled to the exemplary electric pump for, e.g., but not limited to,powering, or recharging a battery pack, etc., according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 17F depicts an exemplary embodiment of a kit of various sizedcontainers and an exemplary pump as may be sold in an exemplary kitincluding a plurality of rectangular and square containers, whichaccording to an exemplary embodiment may be adapted for stacking, andmay be shaped to take advantage of rectangular or square space in arefrigerator and/or for storage, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17G depicts an exemplary pump according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18A depicts an exemplary front view of an exemplary manual vacuumpump, which may be adapted to extract air while pumping, and may in anexemplary embodiment be adapted to include an exemplary hole to improveair extraction as illustrated in FIG. 18G, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 18B depicts an exemplary isometric bottom and side view of anexemplary manual vacuum pump, which may be adapted to extract air whilepumping, drawing air in through an exemplary plurality of holes on anexemplary inner surface of the pump, in an exemplary inner cavity,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18C depicts an exemplary partial bottom view of an exemplary manualvacuum pump, which illustrates an exemplary four inlet holes for drawingin air when pumping air with the pump out of an exemplary vacuumcontainer such as, e.g., but not limited to, the container of FIGS. 1-17above, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 18D and 18E depict an exemplary top view of exemplary manual pumpsillustrating an exemplary air hole for allowing improved air releasefrom the pump, when air is taken in through exemplary inlet holes fromthe exemplary pump, and then may be released through the exemplary oneor more outlet holes, alternatively, air may be released around thehandle, but performance of the pump may improve from use of theexemplary outlet hole, according to an exemplary embodiment. The pumpmay also include a syringe like internal plunger, not shown, as may beused to create the vacuum to draw out the air, according to oneexemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, otherpumps as will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be used suchas, e.g., but not limited to, one directional valves, etc.;

FIG. 18F illustrates an exemplary inner surface of an exemplary squareshaped vacuum container including an exemplary bottom view of anexemplary vacuum indicator and exemplary vacuum interface, according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18G illustrates an exemplary close up view of an exemplary innersurface of an exemplary square shaped vacuum container including anexemplary vacuum interface and notched opening through which anexemplary plug as shown in FIG. 13 may be inserted, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18H illustrates an exemplary electrical pump including an exemplarypush button as may be used to activate the pump, the pump coupled to anexemplary vacuum interface of an exemplary container, and asillustrated, the vacuum indicator indicates that the container is notyet sufficiently evacuated and remains in a non-vacuum state;

FIG. 18I illustrates an exemplary electrical pump coupled to anexemplary vacuum interface of an exemplary container as may be used toactivate the pump, and as illustrated, the vacuum indicator indicatesthat the container has now been sufficiently evacuated of air to be in avacuum state;

FIG. 18J illustrates the exemplary plug of FIG. 13, inserted in anexemplary vacuum interface of FIG. 18G, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, 19E and 19F illustrate exemplary isometricviews of an exemplary inner surface of an exemplary rectangularcontainer, adapted to receive an exemplary removable, exemplarymultiple-part, exemplary divider/separator members as illustrated inFIG. 19K, as may be used to create two or more separate areas within theexemplary vacuum container, including in an exemplary embodiment areversible half length member and an exemplary width long divider memberadapted to receive the half length divider member on one side asillustrated in 19A and B, and as removed in 19B and 19C, may bereinserted as shown in 19F, or the inner width member may be removed asillustrated in 19D to have a full container as illustrated in FIG. 19Ewhich illustrates also exemplary ribs in the sides of both the long andshort sides to receive the exemplary removable divider members,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19G illustrates an exemplary top view of an exemplary lidillustrating exemplary four latches adapted to be coupled to one or morerims or protrusions of a rim of an exemplary vacuum container bottom asillustrated in FIGS. 19H (shallow depth) and 19I (deep depth) accordingto an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19H illustrates an exemplary vacuum container bottom (shallowdepth) for coupling to the lid of FIG. 19G;

FIG. 19I illustrates an exemplary vacuum container bottom (deep depth)for coupling to the lid of FIG. 19G;

FIG. 19J illustrates an exemplary nonremovable divider in an exemplarycontainer, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19K illustrates an exemplary two part divider removed from acontainer illustrating a t-shaped bottom cross section for providingrigidity and to support the divider members, and for interlocking intothe ribbed protrusions in the exemplary inner edge of the contain asshown in FIG. 19L according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19L illustrates an exemplary bottom view of an exemplary vacuumcontainer illustrating exemplary feet and an exemplary circularindentation to receive a rounded lid while stacking and an exemplaryannular protrusion of sufficient depth to permit securing when stackingand placed in a respective annual cavity surrounding part of anexemplary lid's vacuum interface as shown, e.g., in the top view of FIG.19G, to secure to one another stacked containers in evacuated vacuumstate, a respective pair of such containers, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 20 depicts an exemplary rounded square vacuum container accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary container illustrated havingan exemplary lid with exemplary two latches adapted to be coupled to anouter edge of a base, an exemplary annular dial with day indicatoradapted to be usable to track age of container contents, a cleartransparent plastic bottom which may be adapted for stacking, and theexemplary lid as illustrated includes an exemplary teal coloredpartially convex rounded lid with circular vacuum interface including anexemplary inner structure and an exemplary silicone rubber plug,exemplary vacuum indicator, and vacuum release, with exemplary multipleconcentric surfaces including an exemplary annular concave slot forreceiving an exemplary convex annular protrusion from the bottom ofanother such container for stacking, as shown, and as also describedfurther with reference to FIG. 19L, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates another exemplary rounded square vacuum containersimilar to that shown in FIG. 1, of exemplary slightly shallower depth,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22 illustrates additional exemplary rounded square vacuumcontainers, each having exemplary 2 latches, and including of varyingsize, according to an exemplary embodiment, which in various exemplaryembodiments may be adapted to be stacked compatibly with the containersof FIGS. 1, 2, 20, and 21, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 23 depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 20 above,including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 24 depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 20 above,including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to anexemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, thebase may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated inFIG. 19L) adapted for stacking, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 25 depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 20 above,including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to anexemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, thebase may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated inFIG. 19L) adapted for stacking, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of an exemplary squarevacuum container, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate an exemplary lower surface of an exemplarysquare container and illustrate the annular stacking protrusion as maybe used to stack the bottom of one container in an annular cavity asillustrated in FIG. 28, to permit stacking as illustrated in FIG. 29whether in vacuum or non vacuum state, including a sufficient depth tothe protrusion of FIGS. 27A and 27B of the protrusion to permit securingthe upper container to the lower container even when evacuated in avacuum state and the lid has been pulled in from vacuum pressure. FIGS.27A and 27B also illustrate a circular indentation in the bottom of thecontainer (see circular light reflection on FIG. 27B, and outer circleof FIG. 26), the large circular indentation is also shown on anexemplary rectangular container in FIG. 27C, as well as FIG. 12B,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 27C illustrates an exemplary rectangular container having a largecircular indentation;

FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary rectangular container having an annularcavity in the lid for stacking;

FIG. 29 illustrates a square container stacked on a rectangularcontainer;

FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary deep ring shaped protrusion madesufficiently long to securely be placed into the inner ring cavity of agiven vacuum contain as shown in FIG. 31, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 32 illustrates exemplary combinations of stacking smaller squarecontainers on larger square containers, and as shown in FIG. 29 above,square containers may also be stacked on a rectangular container,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 33 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum bag, according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 35 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum bag including anexemplary vacuum interface of the exemplary bag, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary extra bonding at the edges of anexemplary interlocking bag interface, which may include one or morezipping or other locking tongue and groove interlocking openings;

FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate an exemplary removable tool that may be usedto press and close the exemplary interlocking opening of the bag.Advantageously by being removable, one of the exemplary closure toolsillustrated in FIG. 38 may be used with multiple bags to decrease thecost of a bag by not needing to include a tool with each bag;

FIG. 39 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum bag, along with anexemplary removable closure tool, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 40 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum interface with anexemplary circular snapping cap interface, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 41 illustrates an exemplary closure tool and an exemplary snappingcap for an exemplary vacuum bag, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 42 and 43 illustrate an exemplary flavor locker vacuum interfacewith the plug removed and the snapping cap removed of an exemplarycircular snapping cap vacuum interface, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 44 illustrates an exemplary vacuum plug as may be placed in theopening illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43, and may be of silicone rubber;

FIGS. 45 and 46 illustrate an exemplary side view of an exemplary flavorlocker vacuum interface with an exemplary circular snapping capinterface and the snapping cap of FIG. 41 removed, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate an exemplary circular snapping cap, accordingto an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 34A-34E illustrate exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions of anexemplary, but nonlimiting salad chopper and/or slicer and/or dicer lidas illustrated in exemplary FIG. 34G, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 34F illustrates an exemplary interchangeable salad spinner lid asmay be used with an exemplary square or other rectangular vacuumcontainer including an exemplary circular salad basket in an exemplarysquare container, allowing storage of the salad in the container in arefrigerator, and advantageously having a square shape for easingplacement, and efficient space utilization, in the refrigerator orstorage, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the container may be adapted to permit stacking. Anotherexemplary embodiment of a salad spinner lid is illustrated in FIG. 49,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 34G illustrates an exemplary interchangeable salad slicer and/ordicer and/or chopper lid as may be used with an exemplary square orother rectangular vacuum container including an exemplary circular saladbasket in an exemplary square container, allowing storage of the choppedsalad in the container in a refrigerator, and advantageously having asquare shape, interchangeable with the other lids for placing in therefrigerator or storage, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 34H illustrates an exemplary interchangeable vacuum contain lid asmay be interchanged with the salad slicer and/or dicer and/or chopperlid of FIG. 34G and the salad spinner lid of FIG. 34F or 49, as may beused with an exemplary square or other rectangular vacuum container,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 49 including an exemplary spinner mechanism which may permit anexemplary initial winding of a handle and coupled spring clockwork,which, when the spring is allowed to unwind may be coupled by gears orother coupling to cause the basked to spin according to an exemplaryembodiment. An exemplary hold may be provided as shown, for otherexemplary uses such as to accommodate an exemplary brake, or to alloweasily lifting the lid, etc., according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 50 sets forth an exemplary vacuum container cover with variousexemplary features including an exemplary improved twist and lock capthat when selectably twisted in an exemplary clockwise manner bygrasping exemplary protrusion/handles may releasably lock, and/or may beuntwisted in an exemplary counter-clockwise manner by grasping theexemplary protrusion/handles to unlock and allow evacuating or vacuatingthe container by, e.g., pumping air out through one or more exemplaryholes through the cap, or releasing the vacuum by depression of anexemplary button at a top of an exemplary improved silicone plug, whichas shown in an exemplary embodiment may protrude through an opening inthe cap, wherein when the cap is locked, the cap may prevent the vacuumfrom being released, and as shown; and, the container in one exemplaryembodiment may further include an exemplary dial for tracking an age ofexemplary contents, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 51 sets forth an exemplary side view of a plug and an exemplarydisconnected view of an exemplary twist and lock cap, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 52 sets forth another exemplary view of the exemplary plug andexemplary twist and lock cap of FIG. 51, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 53 sets forth another exemplary top view of an exemplary kit of anexemplary rounded square container cover, an exemplary silicone plug,and an exemplary twist and lock cap, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 54 sets forth another exemplary view of an exemplary twist and lockcap illustrating exemplary handles, exemplary inner protrusions forcoupling the cap to an exemplary rim of a receiving portion of anexemplary container cover, and illustrating one or more exemplaryopenings in the cap permitting air to evacuate when unlocked, andallowing pressing the silicone plug, when the cap is unlocked, accordingto an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 55 sets forth another exemplary side view of an exemplary siliconeplug as may be adapted to be received within an exemplary twist and lockcap, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of various preferred exemplaryembodiments as well as various other exemplary embodiments, inconjunction with the accompanying claims and/or drawings describes theinvention in which like numerals in the several views refer tocorresponding or similar parts. The present invention broadly representsapplicable improvements to an apparatus and/or methods relating to avacuum container and pump system or kit. The embodiments detailed hereinare intended to be taken as representative or exemplary of those inwhich the improvements of the embodiments may be incorporated and arenot intended to be limiting.

A vacuum container and pump system including a vacuum containerincluding: a rounded rectangular or square base with an opening at thetop to receive foodstuffs and adapted with an edge; an optional covercomprising at least two locking latches adapted to couple to said edge,said optional cover to close the opening of the vacuum container, saidcover comprising: a circular vacuum tubular opening forming acylindrical hole through said cover, and a cross-shaped notch on theinner cross-section of the tube, through which at least a portion of aplug may be received and disposed when evacuating air from thecontainer.

A vacuum bag comprising: a bag having an opening; a plurality ofresealable fasteners; a hole for evacuating air with a pump from thebag; a cap for covering said hole; and a removable clip for easingclosure of said plurality of fasteners that is adapted to be used with aplurality of said bags.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum containeraccording to an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary containerillustrated having an exemplary lid with exemplary four latches adaptedto be coupled to an outer edge of a base, an exemplary annular dial withday indicator adapted to be usable to track age of container contents, aclear transparent plastic bottom which may be adapted for stacking, andthe exemplary lid as illustrated includes an exemplary teal coloredpartially convex rounded lid with circular vacuum interface, vacuumindicator, and vacuum release, with exemplary annular concave slot forreceiving an exemplary convex annular protrusion from the bottom ofanother such container for stacking, as described further with referenceto FIG. 19L below, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary rounded rectangular vacuumcontainer similar to that shown in FIG. 1, of shallower depth, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum containerhaving only exemplary 2 latches, and including a t-shaped divider,according to an exemplary embodiment, which in various exemplaryembodiments may be either removable or permanent, and the container maybe adapted to be stacked compatibly with the containers of FIGS. 1 and2, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19L) adapted for stacking.

FIG. 6A depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19L) adapted for stacking.

FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4Aabove, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above andFIG. 5A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking.

FIG. 6B depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above andFIG. 6A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking.

FIG. 7A depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8A depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking.

FIG. 9A depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking.

FIG. 7B depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7Aabove, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8B depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above andFIG. 8A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking.

FIG. 9B depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above andFIG. 9A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking.

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 3 above,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 3 above,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking.

FIG. 12A depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 3 above,according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, butillustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking.

FIG. 12B depicts an exemplary bottom view of an exemplary base as may beused in an exemplary rectangular container as shown in the above FIGS.1-12, and may include exemplary one or more exemplary feet, an exemplaryand optional circular concave indentation to accommodate receiving theexemplary circular rounded cover of another container for stacking, andan exemplary annular inner protrusion that may be adapted in be placedinto the vacuum interface annular cavity of an exemplary lid of anothervacuum container adapted for stacking, and sufficiently deep to allowstacking even when a pair of respective container are in an evacuatedstate causing the respective outer surfaces to collapse slightly fromthe vacuum pressure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary isometric view of an exemplary siliconeexemplary vacuum plug as may be used to maintain, and/or release avacuum from an exemplary container.

FIGS. 14A and 14B depict an exemplary embodiments of the exemplaryundersides of the exemplary vacuum interface and exemplary vacuumindicator, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the inner annular vacuuminterface including a t-shaped notch through which an exemplary siliconevacuum plug may be inserted, and the notches may be adapted to enableevacuation of air from the container.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary vacuum container system including anexemplary vacuum container, an exemplary manual vacuum pump, and/or anexemplary electric vacuum pump, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an electric vacuum pump,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17B illustrates an exemplary bottom isometric view of an exemplaryelectric vacuum pump, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17C illustrates another exemplary bottom view of another exemplaryelectric vacuum pump, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17D depicts an exemplary embodiment of a top view of an exemplaryelectric pump including exemplary buttons and cavities for receivingexemplary batteries, and an exemplary battery cavity cover, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17E depicts an exemplary alternating current (AC) adapter as may becoupled to the exemplary electric pump for, e.g., but not limited to,powering, or recharging a battery pack, etc., according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 17F depicts an exemplary embodiment of a kit of various sizedcontainers and an exemplary pump as may be sold in an exemplary kitincluding a plurality of rectangular and square containers, whichaccording to an exemplary embodiment may be adapted for stacking, andmay be shaped to take advantage of rectangular or square space in arefrigerator and/or for storage, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17G depicts an exemplary pump according to an exemplary embodiment,which may be rechargeable in one exemplary embodiment, may accommodatean A/C adapter, may accommodate batteries, and/or may include one, or aplurality of operating power levels to provide one or more levels ofsuction power, according to various exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 18A depicts an exemplary front view of an exemplary manual vacuumpump, which may be adapted to extract air while pumping, and may in anexemplary embodiment be adapted to include an exemplary hole to improveair extraction as illustrated in FIG. 18G, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 18B depicts an exemplary isometric bottom and side view of anexemplary manual vacuum pump, which may be adapted to extract air whilepumping, drawing air in through an exemplary plurality of holes on anexemplary inner surface of the pump, in an exemplary inner cavity,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18C depicts an exemplary partial bottom view of an exemplary manualvacuum pump, which illustrates an exemplary four inlet holes for drawingin air when pumping air with the pump out of an exemplary vacuumcontainer such as, e.g., but not limited to, the container of FIGS. 1-17above, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 18D and 18E depict an exemplary top view of exemplary manual pumpsillustrating an exemplary air hole for allowing improved air releasefrom the pump, when air is taken in through exemplary inlet holes fromthe exemplary pump, and then may be released through the exemplary oneor more outlet holes, alternatively, air may be released around thehandle, but performance of the pump may improve from use of theexemplary outlet hole, according to an exemplary embodiment. The pumpmay also include a syringe like internal plunger, not shown, as may beused to create the vacuum to draw out the air, according to oneexemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, otherpumps as will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be used suchas, e.g., but not limited to, one directional valves, etc.

FIG. 18F illustrates an exemplary inner surface of an exemplary squareshaped vacuum container including an exemplary bottom view of anexemplary vacuum indicator and exemplary vacuum interface, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18G illustrates an exemplary close up view of an exemplary innersurface of an exemplary square shaped vacuum container including anexemplary vacuum interface and notched opening through which anexemplary plug as shown in FIG. 13 may be inserted, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18H illustrates an exemplary electrical pump including an exemplarypush button as may be used to activate the pump, the pump coupled to anexemplary vacuum interface of an exemplary container, and asillustrated, the vacuum indicator indicates that the container is notyet sufficiently evacuated and remains in a non-vacuum state.

FIG. 18I illustrates an exemplary electrical pump coupled to anexemplary vacuum interface of an exemplary container as may be used toactivate the pump, and as illustrated, the vacuum indicator indicatesthat the container has now been sufficiently evacuated of air to be in avacuum state.

FIG. 18J illustrates the exemplary plug of FIG. 13, inserted in anexemplary vacuum interface of FIG. 18I, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, 19E and 19F illustrate exemplary isometricviews of an exemplary inner surface of an exemplary rectangularcontainer, adapted to receive an exemplary removable, exemplarymultiple-part, exemplary divider/separator members as illustrated inFIG. 19K, as may be used to create two or more separate areas within theexemplary vacuum container, including in an exemplary embodiment areversible half length member and an exemplary width long divider memberadapted to receive the half length divider member on one side asillustrated in 19A and B, and as removed in 19B and 19C, may bereinserted as shown in 19F, or the inner width member may be removed asillustrated in 19D to have a full container as illustrated in FIG. 19Ewhich illustrates also exemplary ribs in the sides of both the long andshort sides to receive the exemplary removable divider members,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19G illustrates an exemplary top view of an exemplary lidillustrating exemplary four latches adapted to be coupled to one or morerims or protrusions of a rim of an exemplary vacuum container bottom asillustrated in FIGS. 19H (shallow depth) and 19I (deep depth) accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19J illustrates an exemplary nonremovable divider in an exemplarycontainer, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19K illustrates an exemplary two part divider removed from acontainer illustrating a t-shaped bottom cross section for providingrigidity and to support the divider members, and for interlocking intothe ribbed protrusions in the exemplary inner edge of the contain asshown in FIG. 19L according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19L illustrates an exemplary bottom view of an exemplary vacuumcontainer illustrating exemplary feet and an exemplary circularindentation to receive a rounded lid while stacking and an exemplaryannular protrusion of sufficient depth to permit securing when stackingand placed in a respective annual cavity surrounding part of anexemplary lid's vacuum interface as shown, e.g., in the top view of FIG.19G, to secure to one another stacked containers in evacuated vacuumstate, a respective pair of such containers, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 20 depicts an exemplary rounded square vacuum container accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary container illustrated havingan exemplary lid with exemplary two latches adapted to be coupled to anouter edge of a base, an exemplary annular dial with day indicatoradapted to be usable to track age of container contents, a cleartransparent plastic bottom which may be adapted for stacking, and theexemplary lid as illustrated includes an exemplary teal coloredpartially convex rounded lid with circular vacuum interface including anexemplary inner structure and an exemplary silicone rubber plug,exemplary vacuum indicator, and vacuum release, with exemplary multipleconcentric surfaces including an exemplary annular concave slot forreceiving an exemplary convex annular protrusion from the bottom ofanother such container for stacking, as shown, and as also describedfurther with reference to FIG. 19L, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates another exemplary rounded square vacuum containersimilar to that shown in FIG. 1, of exemplary slightly shallower depth,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates additional exemplary rounded square vacuumcontainers, each having exemplary 2 latches, and including of varyingsize, according to an exemplary embodiment, which in various exemplaryembodiments may be adapted to be stacked compatibly with the containersof FIGS. 1, 2, 20, and 21, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 20 above,including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 20 above,including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to anexemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, thebase may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated inFIG. 19L) adapted for stacking, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 25 depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplaryrounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 20 above,including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to anexemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, thebase may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated inFIG. 19L) adapted for stacking, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of an exemplary squarevacuum container, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate an exemplary lower surface of an exemplarysquare container and illustrate the annular stacking protrusion as maybe used to stack the bottom of one container in an annular cavity asillustrated in FIG. 28, to permit stacking as illustrated in FIG. 29whether in vacuum or non vacuum state, including a sufficient depth tothe protrusion of FIGS. 27A and 27B of the protrusion to permit securingthe upper container to the lower container even when evacuated in avacuum state and the lid has been pulled in from vacuum pressure. FIGS.27A and 27B also illustrate a circular indentation in the bottom of thecontainer (see circular light reflection on FIG. 27B, and outer circleof FIG. 26), the large circular indentation is also shown on anexemplary rectangular container in FIG. 27C, as well as FIG. 12B,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary deep ring shaped protrusion madesufficiently long to securely be placed into the inner ring cavity of agiven vacuum contain as shown in FIG. 31, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 32 illustrates exemplary combinations of stacking smaller squarecontainers on larger square containers, and as shown in FIG. 29 above,square containers may also be stacked on a rectangular container,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 33 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum bag, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 35 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum bag including anexemplary vacuum interface of the exemplary bag, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary extra bonding at the edges of anexemplary interlocking bag interface, which may include one or morezipping or other locking tongue and groove interlocking openings.

FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate an exemplary removable tool that may be usedto press and close the exemplary interlocking opening of the bag.Advantageously by being removable, one of the exemplary closure toolsillustrated in FIG. 38 may be used with multiple bags to decrease thecost of a bag by not needing to include a tool with each bag.

FIG. 39 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum bag, along with anexemplary removable closure tool, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 40 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum interface with anexemplary circular snapping cap interface, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 41 illustrates an exemplary closure tool and an exemplary snappingcap for an exemplary vacuum bag, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 42 and 43 illustrate an exemplary flavor locker vacuum interfacewith the plug removed and the snapping cap removed of an exemplarycircular snapping cap vacuum interface, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 44 illustrates an exemplary vacuum plug as may be placed in theopening illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43, and may be of silicone rubber.

FIGS. 45 and 46 illustrate an exemplary side view of an exemplary flavorlocker vacuum interface with an exemplary circular snapping capinterface and the snapping cap of FIG. 41 removed, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate an exemplary circular snapping cap, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 34A-34E illustrate exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions of anexemplary, but nonlimiting salad chopper and/or slicer and/or dicer lidas illustrated in exemplary FIG. 34G, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 34F illustrates an exemplary interchangeable salad spinner lid asmay be used with an exemplary square or other rectangular vacuumcontainer including an exemplary circular salad basket in an exemplarysquare container, allowing storage of the salad in the container in arefrigerator, and advantageously having a square shape for placing inthe refrigerator or storage, according to an exemplary embodiment.Another exemplary embodiment of a salad spinner lid is illustrated inFIG. 49, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 34G illustrates an exemplary interchangeable salad slicer and/ordicer and/or chopper lid as may be used with an exemplary square orother rectangular vacuum container including an exemplary circular saladbasket in an exemplary square container, allowing storage of the choppedsalad in the container in a refrigerator, and advantageously having asquare shape, interchangeable with the other lids for placing in therefrigerator or storage, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 34H illustrates an exemplary interchangeable vacuum contain lid asmay be interchanged with the salad slicer and/or dicer and/or chopperlid of FIG. 34G and the salad spinner lid of FIG. 34F or 49, as may beused with an exemplary square or other rectangular vacuum container,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 49 including an exemplary spinner mechanism which may permit anexemplary initial winding of a handle and coupled spring clockwork,which, when the spring is allowed to unwind may be coupled by gears orother coupling to cause the basked to spin according to an exemplaryembodiment. An exemplary hold may be provided as shown, for otherexemplary uses such as to accommodate an exemplary brake, or to alloweasily lifting the lid, etc., according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 50 sets forth an exemplary vacuum container cover with variousexemplary features including an exemplary improved twist and lock capthat when selectably twisted in an exemplary clockwise manner bygrasping exemplary protrusion/handles may releasably lock, and/or may beuntwisted in an exemplary counter-clockwise manner by grasping theexemplary protrusion/handles to unlock and allow evacuating or vacuatingthe container by, e.g., pumping air out through one or more exemplaryholes through the cap, or releasing the vacuum by depression of anexemplary button at a top of an exemplary improved silicone plug, whichas shown in an exemplary embodiment may protrude through an opening inthe cap, wherein when the cap is locked, the cap may prevent the vacuumfrom being released, and as shown; and, the container in one exemplaryembodiment may further include an exemplary dial for tracking an age ofexemplary contents, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 51 sets forth an exemplary side view of a plug and an exemplarydisconnected view of an exemplary twist and lock cap, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 52 sets forth another exemplary view of the exemplary plug andexemplary twist and lock cap of FIG. 51, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 53 sets forth another exemplary top view of an exemplary kit of anexemplary rounded square container cover, an exemplary silicone plug,and an exemplary twist and lock cap, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 54 sets forth another exemplary view of an exemplary twist and lockcap illustrating exemplary handles, exemplary inner protrusions forcoupling the cap to an exemplary rim of a receiving portion of anexemplary container cover, and illustrating one or more exemplaryopenings in the cap permitting air to evacuate when unlocked, andallowing pressing the silicone plug, when the cap is unlocked, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 55 sets forth another exemplary side view of an exemplary siliconeplug as may be adapted to be received within an exemplary twist and lockcap, according to an exemplary embodiment.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking cap safety mechanismmay be adapted to lock in vacuum packed vacuum in the flavor locker,preventing air from entering the chamber of the vacuum container. Thesilicone pressure maintaining plug may be released by a twisting andunlocking of the exemplary plastic cap. In an exemplary embodiment, theexemplary plastic cap may be turned in an exemplary clockwise directionto lock, in an exemplary 180 degree turn, and when so turned, accordingto an exemplary embodiment may crimp the silicone plug in place toprevent escape of the vacuum from the container. In an exemplaryembodiment, the exemplary plastic cap may be turned in an exemplarycounter clockwise direction to unlock, in an exemplary 180 degree turn,and when so turned, according to an exemplary embodiment may uncrimp thesilicone plug to enable manual release by, e.g., but not limited to,tilting of the exemplary silicon plug, and/or releasing by depression ofan exemplary optional button, to allow the vacuum pressure to escapefrom the container.

The process of using the cap may include, first pumping all the air out,using, e.g., a manual or electric suction pump, then locking the cap sothe silicone plug will not release air, then when the contents of thecontainer are to be accessed, unlocking the cap, allowing the siliconeplug to allow air movement out of the container, when pressing down theexemplary button in the center of the opening of the cap may allow thesilicone plug to release the vacuum, and then air may return into thevacuum chamber around the plug and through the hole in the container lidin which the plug was inserted, and through one or more holes in thelocking cap. The locking cap may include screw threads and/or othermechanisms to crimp the silicone plug in an exemplary locked position,preventing air vacuum from escaping. The silicone plug may be locked orcoupled to the lid by the locking cap. Advantageously, the plug will notbe lost down a drain or otherwise be separated from the container lid,avoiding unintended loss of the small silicone plug during cleaning orother use and/or storage of the lid. The use of the locking cap preventsor avoids accidental vacuum release by accidental hitting of thesilicone plug while stowing or otherwise moving or placing the vacuumcontainer. Advantageously, using the locking cap, the vacuum state ofthe vacuum container may be maintained for a longer period of time.

CONCLUSION

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of thepresent invention should not be limited by any of the above-describedexemplary embodiments, but should instead be defined only in accordancewith the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vacuum container comprising: a base havingsidewalls defining a volume and an opening at a top of the sidewalls toreceive foodstuff into the volume, the opening having an edge; a covercomprising at least two locking latches configured to couple to the edgeto close the opening, the cover comprising: a vacuum tubular interfaceopening forming a cylindrical hole through the cover, and a cross-shapednotch on an inner cross-section of the vacuum tubular interface opening,through which at least a portion of a plug may be received and disposedwhen evacuating air from the container.
 2. The vacuum container of claim1, wherein the cover and the base are comprised of different transparentcolored plastics.
 3. The vacuum container of claim 1, wherein the coverhas at least four locking latches.
 4. The vacuum container of claim 1,further comprising a salad spinner configured to be positioned withinthe volume of the base after removing the cover.
 5. The vacuum containerof claim 1, further comprising a salad chopper configured to bepositioned within the volume of the base after removing the cover. 6.The vacuum container of claim 1, further comprising a pump comprising atleast one of a manually-powered air evacuation pump and anelectric-powered air evacuation pump.
 7. The vacuum container of claim6, wherein the pump comprises a manually-powered air evacuation pumpcomprising a hole in the pump to ease release of air evacuating thepump.
 8. The vacuum container of claim 6, wherein the pump comprises anelectric-powered air evacuation pump, the electric-powered pumpcomprising at least one of a cavity to receive at least one battery, aninterface adapted to power the pump by providing AC to DC convertedpower, and a rechargeable energy source.
 9. The vacuum container ofclaim 1, wherein the cover comprises a concave annular cavity forreceiving an annular protrusion of a bottom of another container base toallow stacking a pair of vacuum containers.
 10. The vacuum container ofclaim 9, wherein the annular protrusion of the bottom of the containerbase is of a depth to securely couple a stacked pair of vacuumcontainers when the vacuum containers are in an evacuated state.
 11. Thevacuum container of claim 1, further comprising a vacuum indicatorpositioned on one of either the base or the cover.
 12. The vacuumcontainer of claim 1, further comprising a removable divider forpositioning within the volume of the base.
 13. The vacuum container ofclaim 1, further comprising an age of contents day indicator dial.
 14. Avacuum bag comprising: a vacuum bag having an opening; a plurality ofresealable fasteners; a interface for evacuating air with a pump fromthe bag; a cap for covering the interface; and a removable clip foreasing closure of the plurality of resealable fasteners adapted to beused with a plurality of vacuum bags.